ReviewLinux has published a long and comprehensive review of Libranet GNU/Linux 3.0, complete with a handful of screenshots: "The biggest praise that I can give Libranet is that I use it as my only desktop system at home. I do not use Microsoft Windows at all. I simply do not need to. Libranet offers all that I need and more. I've been using Libranet now since September 2003, when I started with Libranet 2.7 Classic, which was a free download at the time. I was so impressed that I bought Libranet 2.8.1 - and it has been well and truly worth the investment. This is the first time that I've been totally Microsoft Windows-free. I love it!" The review stretches to 16 pages, starting here.

A truly sad news for all Libranet and Linux fans: "Libranet is sad to inform you that its founder and President, Jon Danzig, passed away this morning. In keeping with our traditions we will be closed until June 13th 2005 at which time Libranet will reopen. During this time emails may not be responded to and delivery of pre-ordered CDs will be delayed. Thank you for your understanding." Visit Libranet.com to read the notice. Libranet GNU/Linux is produced by Libra Computer Systems, a company established by Jon and Tal Danzig in Vancouver in 1984 as a small UNIX company. Its first Linux distribution was released in November 1999. Libranet GNU/Linux 1.0, which was based on Debian, but included an improved installer and many user-friendly enhancements, was an instant success. Its latest version was 3.0 released some six weeks ago. The DistroWatch team would like to express our sincere condolences to the family of Jon Danzig.

Linux Journal has reviewed the new Libranet GNU/Linux 3.0: "A detailed description of Libranet's new Adminmenu would justify a separate report. One feature, however, warrants particular notice. Libranet is the only Linux distribution I know of that makes compiling a kernel safe and easy. The entire process is point and click. If for some reason the recompiled kernel does not boot, the original kernel still is available and listed in the boot menu and will start Libranet up for another try if needed. By itself Adminmenu, with its unique kernel tool, gives Libranet its knockout punch." The full review with screenshots.

NewsForge has published a new review of the recently released Libranet GNU/Linux 3.0: "Although Libranet supports apt-get from the command line, the root user's version of Adminmenu divides basic functions and repositories into a series of icons: Update Adminmenu, Update Libranet (the equivalent of using the dist-upgrade option with the apt-get command), Libranet security update, and Install from Libranet CDs (the equivalent of the apt-cdrom command). These icons are ideal for those who are interested in keeping their systems up-to-date but who have no interest in understanding the process. Synaptic, a graphical front-end for apt-get, is also available, although marked as 'recommended for advanced users only.'" Read the rest of the review here.

Mad Penguin is the first with a comprehensive review of the recently released Libranet GNU/Linux 3.0: "Libranet 3.0 is a stellar achievement not only for the development team, but for desktop Linux as a whole. What we have on display here is a piece of software I would feel comfortable recommending to anyone looking for a solid desktop Linux product. I don't care if you're completely new to Linux or even an active software developer... this distribution is for you. Libranet 3.0 is where it's at. The attention to detail put into this release is great, and the resulting product is phenomenal. ... I heartily recommend this distribution to anyone wanting to learn more about Linux and isn't afraid to get their hands a little dirty in the process." Read the 3-page review with many screenshots at MadPenguin.org.

The long awaited new version of Libranet GNU/Linux has been released: "It's here! At last the long awaited Libranet 3.0 is released. Libranet 3.0 represents a considerable investment on the part of the Libranet developers. We hope you will be able to show your support for Libranet and purchase this most excellent distribution." The announcement was made on the distribution's newsletter and can also be read on its user forums. Libranet 3.0 is available for immediate purchase and download from this page (US$89.95 for full edition or US$64.95 for upgrade/student edition).

Platypus Lair has published a review of Libranet GNU/Linux 2.8.1: "The greatness of adminmenu stops not just here. There are tons of other stuff you can do with this powerful little app. Another such activity is to configure your firewall through the network tab. Clicking on the firewall button here brings up a text box which allows the user to allow or disallow applications going in and out of the firewall. Again, here it gets the job fine but a little more would have elevated it to greatness." The full story with screenshots.

The Libranet development team has released Libranet GNU/Linux 2.8.1 as a free download for trial purposes. Originally released in August 2003, it comes with kernel 2.4.21, KDE 3.1.3, GNOME 2.2 and other software present in Debian Sid at the time. Adding an easy, semi-graphical installer together with a graphical configuration utility called Adminmenu has turned Libranet into an instant hit, impressing many reviewers who wrote about the product. Libranet 2.8.1 sells for US$65, but now you can try it for free; download the two ISO images from here: libranet-2.8.1-cd1.iso (679MB) and libranet-2.8.1-cd2.iso (696MB); update: the ISO images are now available via BitTorrent. The download directory also includes an installation guide in PDF format. The Libranet developers have hinted that version 3.0 will enter a beta testing period later this month.

OSNews has published a new review of Libranet GNU/Linux 2.8.1: "The distro has something known as the Adminmenu. It's a masterwork. You can do anything from there. Configure X, play with printer and network settings, and upgrade your system from the Libranet archive. It even helps you recompile your kernel. It's really a great piece of software, for both power and beginning users." The three-page review starts here.

Linux.com continues its series on Debian-based desktop Linux distributions with a review of Libranet GNU/Linux 2.8.1: "Libranet does not score as well on this review as the other distributions. But there is a reason for that. It comes down to this: Libranet does not do all the hand-holding and babysitting the others do, and it is that babysitting and hand-holding that form the basis for comparison. Libranet doesn't skimp in those areas because of oversight or neglect. They tread lightly there simply because its primary target audience, Debian users and/or wannabes, neither want nor need such care. They know how to use apt-get to maintain their software and keep their system secure. And unlike me, they probably know the CUPS URI for their shared printer." The full story.

Another review of Libranet GNU/Linux 2.8.1 has been published by linmagau.org: "There certainly are faults, I won't deny them, the memory footprint of a newly installed system is quite large when you've become used to 2.7's, and unfortunately some packages from the pool that Libranet uses are quite unstable, but this is quite simply my favourite distribution. For those of you that loved the time of releases like Red Hat 6.2, when you could use a standard desktop without worrying about what's completely different in a distribution, you'll breathe a sigh of relief with Libranet. ... At the end of the day, a great piece of work." The complete review with screenshots.

OSNews has reviewed Libranet GNU/Linux 2.8.1: "Meanwhile, back at the main box, I was engaged in an ongoing struggle to find something else to complain about. Wasn't having much luck either. Once I had gotten it installed, and the video setup straightened out, nothing else had caused any problem of any kind on my main system. So I thought I would try something dangerous. Libranet claims that it is 100%, no holds barred, smack dab on target compatible with debian. I decided to test that, so I opened a console and did the apt-get update, apt-get install, apt-get upgrade thing. Left it on all night and went to bed." The 3-page review starts here.

OSNews has published a new review of Libranet GNU/Linux 2.7 Classic edition: "This is a superb distribution. Libranet 2.7 puts the power, flexibility, and versatility of Debian in everyone?s hands. One to try for both experienced users (whose job will be made easier) and newbies (who will be spared a harsh introduction, but will not be spoon-fed). This, however, is a desktop Linux distribution, those looking for servers, routers, etc. are better off with another more lean flavor." The 2-page review starts here.

The linmagau.org web site has published a review of the freely downloadable Libranet 2.7 Classic Edition: "This distribution certainly seems to be geared towards power users at home, who want a trim multimedia machine that can jump on the net and not have to worry about missing parts, whilst doing everything in a nice environment. I know I've done a lot of bagging in this review, but these fellers from Vancouver have made a great product at the end of the day. There are some curious and annoying oversights, but the good areas really highlight this distro. When you're comfortable after the initial installation and getting everything else and configured, you'll find this a very likeable piece of work, it really 'fills that niche' that many endlessly search for in a distribution. The guys at Libranet were nice enough to send me the new Flagship Edition, 2.8.1 by mail, so we'll have that in review next month (KDE 3.1, yay!). Very Innovative if not a little cheeky." Read the rest of the review with screenshots.

OSNews has published a new review of Libranet GNU/Linux 2.8.1 Flagship edition: "Woo hoo! The moment of truth. I logged into Libranet as the non-root user (always a smart approach) that I had created during the second stage install. Nice looking interface! NVidia popup and all, well that is the price of 3D, I suppose. So, the question that is burning in your mind has got to be - which Window Manager does Libranet default to? First, let me say that Libranet comes with lots of Window Managers - KDE, Gnome, IceWM, Flux Box, WM, TWM, etc. It defaults to IceWM. I was unfamiliar with IceWM, however, I thought that I would give it a shot. I figured that the Libranet folks must have a reason for picking it." The 2-page review starts here.

NeoLink Computers has reviewed Libranet GNU/Linux 2.8.1: "I will recommend Libranet to anyone who wants to use a very well designed distro that is easy to use, includes support, and does not mind spending a little money. Remember that after you pay for your first Libranet distro, you are considered to be a member of Libranet's user base and you get discounts on all of their releases thereafter. During my correspondence with Libranet I only spoke with one person, but he was very quick to respond and very pleasant to work with. So in summary, Libranet is a smart, tough, and friendly distro that I will recommend to anyone. And when their next versions come out, you can bet I'll be trying that one out because I can see Libranet only getting better and better." The full review.

The uptime web site has only good things to say about Libranet GNU/Linux 2.8.1. From the review: "Usually when people review Libranet, they say that it's hard to imagine an easier or smoother install for a Debian-based Linux distribution. I'd go two large steps further and say that it's harder to imagine an installation of any operating system to be easier or smoother than installing Libranet - Linux or otherwise. Every software package that you can possibly ever need is probably included in the Libranet distribution, and you've for plenty of choices for your window manager, the theme you want to use, and anything else you can imagine. If you're looking for your first distribution, or you're an experienced Linux user looking for a killer Debian-based distribution, I highly recommend Libranet." The review.

Linux Universe looks at the latest release from Libranet GNU/Linux and the reviewer is most overjoyed: "What can I say...this is one great distribution. There is plenty to like about Libranet, whether you are a new or experienced GNU/Linux user, and very little to dislike. This is the first distribution I have used/reviewed that doesn't have a glaring weakness and as you can see from the review, I haven't taken off a point anywhere. The reason is very simple - everything, and I mean everything just worked. As it should. The first time. In just the short amount of time that I have been using Libranet for this review, I have already been convinced - this is my new favorite Linux distribution. It is that good." Read the rest of the review here.

MadPenguin.org features two articles related two Libranet GNU/Linux. A distro revisited - Libranet 2.8.1 is a brief review of the latest Libranet release: "This Linux distro, sometimes overshadowed by its larger cousins, is one of the best available today and I suspect it always will be. This is not due to it being Debian, it's kernel version, or any other feature common with many other distributions... it is because of the amount of care taken to put together each release." Exclusive Interview with Jon Danzig provides some interesting answers from Libranet's founder: "Five years form now I think Linux desktops will comprise about 25% of all, perhaps even more. Libranet plans on being there."

Libranet GNU/Linux 2.8.1 has been released: "2.8.1 has passed the rigor of beta testing and the CD masters have been sent to the manufacturer. Libranet 2.8.1 is now available for download and CDs can be ordered for delivery in early September. The largest difference between 2.8 and 2.8.1 is updated KDE and GNOME. There are some improvements to the install and to adminmenu and some packages have been upgraded. 2.8 systems can be upgraded from the new CDs. The procedure will be in the install guide. As usual, existing Libranet users will receive a reduced price. As always, we are grateful for your continuing support of Libranet." The Libranet's features page has all the details and links to screenshots. The download edition of Libranet GNU/Linux 2.8.1 can be obtained from the Libranet store for US$64.95 (full price) or US$44.95 (upgrade price).

The linuxiran.org web site has published a review of Libranet GNU/Linux 2.8: "I had heard great things about Libranet, so when I first got my hands on it, my expectations were already very high. And I admit that I didn't think that it could surpass my expectations, but it just did that. Libranet is filling a gap here, a gap for a solid easy to install, Debian based distro. It is super stable, even though it uses many applications from Debian's testing and unstable repositories. And it performs nearly perfect in all aspects. Mainstream computer websites such as Extreme Tech have already picked it as their favorite Linux distribution. Libranet has made great inroads in the past, and I just hope that the company continues with it's current strategy. In my opinion, there is currently enough room, for yet another strong player in the market of GNU/Linux distributions. If they don't lose focus, and continue to innovate and address current problems, they might just become the next big player, in this market. I dearly hope they will." The full review.

Open for Business has published a review of Libranet GNU/Linux 2.8: "If you haven't already guessed, we were extremely pleased with Libranet GNU/Linux. It is not the type of distribution you can just pull out of the box and expect everything to be the way you want it, but it has a really strong foundation that makes it worth the extra effort just for the benefits. If you are a more experienced GNU/Linux system administrator, you should not overlook this distribution for your evaluation checklist -- with a bit of work you will get a system that will return that small investment of extra time with years of effortless updates and reliable service." The full review.

A demo version of Libranet GNU/Linux 2.7 Classic edition has been released as a free download. This is a single CD variant of Libranet 2.7, which was originally released in September 2002 and which is meant to be a way to try out the Libranet distribution without any financial commitment. Download: libranet-2.7-classic.iso (545MB). See this comparison chart for a good overview of differences between Libranet 2.7 Classic edition and the most recent version - Libranet 2.8 Flagship edition. The latter is available from the distribution's online store for US$69.95.

ExteremeTech is the latest publication impressed with Libranet Linux 2.8: "All in all we were extremely pleased with this release. Libranet is moving in the right direction and we're very happy to recommend it to anyone interested in checking out Linux. If you run into problems, Libranet has a very helpful forum on its site, with a supportive community of users. Libranet definitely isn't the cheapest distro you'll find, nor is it the slickest. But it offers a tremendous amount of value to anyone who wants a usable desktop OS bundled with lots and lots of software." The four-page review with screenshots starts here.

Linux Journal reviews the latest release of Libranet Linux, version 2.8: "Libranet 2.8 offers the desktop user all of the latest Linux productivity applications over a Debian foundation. But it is not only for work. Use it to play a game or watch a DVD movie while waiting for creative inspiration. Libranet's proprietary features are ease of installation and administration. While based on the rock-solid Debian Woody, Libranet also includes up-to-date applications from the Debian testing and unstable versions, making sure that everything works smoothly and together. Updates come from Sarge, the testing branch. Is that worth paying for? With a full 30-day refund guarantee, trying it yourself is the best way to answer the question." The full review.

MadPenguin reviews the new Libranet Linux 2.8: "All in all, Libranet is a well-rounded Linux distro. It installs as easy, if not easier, than 90% of the distros available today. This is even considering that half of the install is text mode. For veterans, this isn't such a big deal at all, as most of us even prefer it to the slow GUI installers... but for a newbie this is still a simple process. The desktop experience is consistent, smooth, and glitch free. During the whole review and trial process, the system NEVER crashed, froze, or did anything out of the ordinary. The experience was almost flawless." The complete review.

Canada's leading distro, Libranet is not yet one of the "big guns" in the Linux world, but it has all the potential to compete with the best. A commercial distribution based on Debian, Libranet attempts to improve on Debian's fine features by adding excellent hardware detection, easy system administration, and an up-to-date default configuration of software packages. Unlike two other commercial Debian distros, Lindows and Xandros, Libranet goes light on graphics - it is built for speed. Furthermore, it offers a great deal of installation and configuration options, and a generous supply of included apps. Those who want to take Libranet further can use Debian's much-praised apt-get system of package management to produce a bleeding edge system. Those who like Debian should love Libranet, the only "gotcha" being that Libranet isn't free (as Debian is). Nevertheless, Libranet is considered good value by its growing fan club, so let us take a look and see just what this increasingly popular distro has to offer.

The Libranet development team has announced the release of Libranet GNU/Linux 2.8. From the features page: "Feature summary: Kernel 2.4.20; XFree86 4.3.0; KDE 3.1.1; GNOME 2.2.1; XFce, IceWM, Fluxbox, Enlightenment; easy installation; automatic hardware setup; e-mail support; support solutions database; friendly community..." The following links are useful sources of more detailed information: the product page, features, screenshots, about Libranet and user forums. Libranet 2.8 Flagship edition is available for purchase online either as a download (US$64.95 or US$44.95 for upgrade) or a physical CD set (US$69.95 or US$49.95 for upgrade).

Libranet GNU/Linux, a commercial Linux distribution based on Debian, has been given increasingly positive coverage in Linux media. Its recipe for success is simple - it attempts to remedy some of the often cited shortcomings of Debian proper, by providing a simple installer, user-friendly system configuration tools and up-to-date selection of software packages. Combine that with a friendly user community and you have a winner. Let us investigate what Libranet is about and why you should give it a serious thought when choosing your Linux distribution.

The fourth installment of the Desktop Linux Blowout by ExtremeTech has been published and it contains a comprehensive review of Libranet GNU/Linux 2.7. The verdict? "We liked Libranet a lot. It's definitely a workhorse, not a showhorse. You won't find the sheer slickness of Lindows or even Suse in Libranet. But what you will find is a distro that packs a TON of software into a compelling package. We'd like to see Libranet's install routine spiffed up a bit and we'd like to see the default desktop be Gnome instead of IceWM. So should you consider Libranet? Well if you've used other distros you should definitely consider giving Libranet a whirl. Old hands at Linux won't be thrown off by the text menu installation. If you're brand new then it's still within your grasp, just take your time and follow the on-screen prompts during installation. If you want to get a feel for Libranet before buying 2.7 then you can download the essentials version (2.0) for free from the Libranet site." Visit this page to read the complete review.

Libranet GNU/Linux has been getting rave reviews for its previous releases and two new reviews confirm that the newly released Libranet 2.7 continues in the same tradition. LinuxOrbit: "To say that we were impressed with Libranet GNU/Linux 2.7 would be somewhat of an understatement. With only minor qualms about desktop menus and installation idiosyncrasies, we would highly recommend Libranet GNU/Linux 2.7 to any level of Linux user, from beginner to experienced admin." LinuxOrbit gives Libranet 2.7 full five stars. Linux Journal: "Along with a collection of up-to-date applications, the latest kernel, video support, a choice of window managers (KDE, GNOME, Xfce, IceWM, etc.) and Adminmenu's comprehensive system tools, Libranet 2.7 provides a smooth ride to high-power Debian Linux for both the neophyte and the experienced user."

The latest Libranet newsletter reports that "Libranet 2.7 has been released for shipping. We think it's extremely good and seems to be running very well. The beta testers did a good job and we received lots of really good reports." Learn more about the Libranet features before ordering the product -- a download edition is US$55 (US$40 for registered upgrades of purchased Libranet editions), while the CD edition (2 CDs) will cost you US$65 (US$50 for registered upgrades). The previously released Libranet 2.0 Essential Edition can be downloaded for free from the distribution's download page.

The second beta of Libranet GNU/Linux 2.7 is available for download and testing. What's new? "Updated packages (GNOME 2.0.1, KDE 3.0.3, security updates); when user selects a non-default keymap they are asked which X-windows keyboard/keymap they have; GNOME desktop in window problem when switching to GNOME from IceWM is gone; GNOME default desktop looks a little different, changes to Adminmenu." Visit the Libranet testing page for a more complete list of changes, together with known issues and the bug report procedure. Download links: libranet-2.7-beta2-cd1.iso (647MB) and libranet-2.7-beta2-cd2.iso (587MB).

In a push to get wider acceptance, the makers of Libranet GNU/Linux have released a public beta version of their upcoming 2.7 release, due out next month. If you'd like to help with testing, this is the page to get further information and links to the two ISO images: libranet-2.7-beta-cd1.iso (647MB) and libranet-2.7-beta-cd2.iso (587MB). Libranet 2.7 is based on Debian Woody with inclusion of many popular packages still missing from any of the Debian branches, such as XFree86 4.2.0, KDE3, GNOME2 and many others - visit our Libranet page to see what is included in this release. Give it a try, especially if you've had enough of RPM hassles, but are still reluctant to put up with the Debian installer. Libranet has received highly positive reviews and has an active mailing list as well as a user forum to help out.

Good news from the Libranet project - version 2.0 is now available for free download, get it here: libranet-2.0-essential.iso (663MB). While this is a stripped-down edition of the full US$45 2-CD Libranet Linux, it is an excellent way to try out the product. Libranet is a Debian-based distribution with a friendly installer and its own graphical configuration tools, called Libranet Adminmenu. The reviews have been highly positive - visit our Libranet page for links to these. This link will take you to the Libranet product page with further links to the product features and screenshots.

WindoWatch has a review of Libranet GNU/Linux: "Libranet is the only successful Debian-based distribution to-date. This is in part due to their attention to detail when releasing their distribution, the selection of software they include with the distribution (it is mostly desktop related), and the high level of support that is available to paid users. Download users can get support, free, via the Libranet mailing list. It is also successful because of the community that has been built around it. They don't ask for handouts and they don't demand a lot of their users. They simply write good software." Follow this link to the complete review.

Linux By Libranet, version 2.0.2. This is the second revision of the recently released 2.0, mostly a bug fix release. Includes the latest Kernel 2.4.18 and improvements to the installer and adminmenu. "Nothing about this distribution has disappointed me or even surprised me in a way that was less than exciting." This is what the Penguin Shell review had to say after a week of testing. "Security was topnotch. Libranet has made available all the office, multimedia, productivity, and entertainment tools you'll need to reach top speed quickly." The conclusion? "The Libranet review ends with a wholehearted endorsement. If you're looking for the stability of Debian without the headaches, Libranet is your distribution."" The full review is ready for your enjoyment here and if you'd like to get hold of the distribution, it can be ordered online for US$50.

A couple of new reviews of the recently released Libranet GNU/Linux have been spotted. TuxReports writes: "I decided to keep the Lbranet distribution on our 32 MB SDRAM system for a few reasons. First, it is a fast system. Second, many of the systems in this house are based on Red Hat. It's good to have a Debian one around. Plus, this Debian distribution is very easy to use. The menus are logical and applications loaded properly. In fact, baring the lack of RPM support, I've been pleased with everything in this distribution. The XAdminmenu are helpful and usable." The other review, written by Linux Step By Step concludes: "For US$50 (US$30 if you bought an earlier release) plus postage you get a very slick Debian. There are a few rough edges, but they are manageable. It boots up faster than any other Linux I have experienced, and KDE 2.2.2 also starts fast. This is an excellent distribution for an RPM'er who wants to give Debian a try."

Libranet GNU/Linux 2.0. Starting to catch up with all the interesting releases during our break. After the failures of Corel, Storm and Progeny, Libranet is the only debian-based Linux distribution currently available. All the details of the 2.0 release are on the Libranet page and this version was also included on the Major Distributions page for easy comparisons. No free downloads at this time, the product costs US$45 (download) or US$55 (2 CDs + installation guide + shipping); a US$20 discount applies to users upgrading from previously purchased versions. For more information, consult the Libranet product page. A very brief review of installing Libranet 2.0 has been published by the Linux Journal.

Libranet Linux price adjustments continue - it will now cost US$40 (up from US$20 just over a week ago) + shipping to order the product. It also appears that it is no longer possible to download the latest version of the product.